Going to other fields of doctors when you have a psychiatric illness

[Against_the_current]

I'm need to go to a sinus doctor because my nose is chronically runny and my sinus hurts therefore my head hurts like hell and im worried about if i show a sign of my mental illness like panic or being inadequate and also worry if i get asked for it and treated differently because of it. I remember when I was puking and went to my GP she said it's because of anxiety and to go to the psychiatrist. I was to the psychiatrist these days and i don't want to go again especially that i don't need to stuff myself with psychiatric meds for all my physical illnesses. But this sounds weird because anxiety and depression can't cause my sinus infection. Im just worried of embarrassing myself. I really hate it when im not even examined and doctors are "it's because you're anxious" . Like how do you know? Run a test. Take an X-ray. My mental illness is invisible but my physical one is. Oh im speaking nonsense but it's because of the pain in my forehead

[Agora1]

Hi ATC, you are not speaking nonsense. Many of us have gone through the same scenario

including myself. I had a team of doctors who i swore must have gotten together because

the outcome was always "your anxiety". I'd leave the doctor just as stressed out as when

I came in. I agree in that once they know you suffer from Anxiety, everything you say seems

to go into one ear and out the other. It's not you my friend, it's the medical doctors not

having the time to delve into psychological issues associated with health issues. They want

to treat the patient with meds and make them feel better. No time to go on a long journey

with the patient who may need months of care and so the Psychiatrist is recommended.

I agree with you in that over time, we know what comes from our anxiety and what doesn't.

A sinus infection can cause head pressure and headaches. Anxiety over it can just

exacerbate the head pain but the deeper issue is a physical one. Don't worry about

embarrassing yourself. Sometimes, we need to be our own Advocate for health xx

[Against_the_current in reply to Agora1]

Thank you so much Agora1, i really needed some kindness and understanding xxx

[Artistfriend]

I understand, that can be a tough situation. I've been to doctors recently because of stomach issues that are tied into my anxiety and I don't know which is which and it's annoying having to explain all that. Some doctors get it and some not as much . I agree with agora you have to be your advocate and be as clear as you can about what you need from them, it's a challenge to keep them on track but it's good practice, don't worry about what theyre thinking as long as you get some answers for yourself, good luck

[Nothingnoted]

Hi I cry a lot and I think that the this may cause sinus infections I feel for you because I think sinus infections and crying a lot is related because then when I cry a lot then sometimes I have dry heaves and I know stress makes you have dry heaves and want to throw up too because I can't clear out my sinuses I just hope you feel better soon I know what you're going through and therapy things out there I don't know if you've ever tried them it's like a saline solution by armor hammer and that you are it's like a pump for you and you pump it into each nostril by pressing the other one down and then youpumped in the spray and Its supposed to release all the sinus problems and stuff and let your nose run and clear it out it's like a saline solution I've used it a few times and it helps clear out the congestion

[SoporRose]

I agree with what everyone else wrote. It is a real problem, getting doctors to take one seriously. I try to write out what I want my doctors to know and to hand the doctor what I’ve written. I have found I stay much calmer that way and that the paper never gets upset :). I don’t know if that will work for you, but I offer my approach in case you want to try it.

[Hidden]

I went to a specialist once who asked what some of the medicines I had listed were for and, when I told him, said "you look normal to me". I just smiled.

I have restless legs syndrome. This is extremely physical. Even though, I was getting "how's your stress level?" It was highly annoying.

[Artistfriend in reply to Hidden]

When I went to a doctor years ago and was talking about anxiety and how much weight I had lost he said, do you know how many people wish they could lose that kind of weight? If a doctor said that to me now, oh boy

[Hidden in reply to Artistfriend]

Ouch! That must have stung!

[Nothingnoted in reply to Artistfriend]

I would say what kind of Cracker Jack box did that guy get his medical license from

[Nothingnoted in reply to Nothingnoted]

I meant I hope you did find someone better than that quack

[Nothingnoted in reply to Artistfriend]

He sounds like a total jerk you deserve so much better than that guy and I hope he did eventually find somebody better than that

[Artistfriend in reply to Nothingnoted]

Thank you, he was kind of a jerk and moved out of the area, I think he had his license suspended or something, literally

[Nothingnoted in reply to Artistfriend]

I'm not I'm not surprised by that his behavior he did not have a good bedside matter to begin with he needed retraining and customer service and being a doctor

[Nothingnoted in reply to Artistfriend]

You are welcome

[moxoni237]

sorry to hear to about you’re situation finding mental clarity can sometimes feel like a understatement especially when trying too resonate thought of situations or contradictions can invade the capacities for coping the need for resolvincy can seem a distant haul our demons can self sabotage true believe habits getting in the flow of self worth you can conquer unbelief small steps to to focus self achieving which you are setting youre mind too shift the purpose to you’re higher self esteem health matters reassurance self you’re sinus pain or anguish you can resolve through sharing with those who help with medication and self awareness removing barriers and hope you gain clarity of mind and focus self achieving and rejuvenate yourself and peaceful restoration

[punkster]

Sinus infections have nothing to do with anxiety and any doctor worth their salt knows this. I'm not sure what kind of medical system you deal with where you live, but if a specialist doctor tries to connect these two, then ask for a referral to a different doctor.

[yhsbirny]

You're right. Any doctor who brushes something off as anxiety without running any tests is not one you want to be seeing. Instead of a psychiatrist, see an ENT doc or get a new GP.

[Generic809]

I've been to the doctor quite a few times recently, with symptoms that are all likely anxiety related. Doctor has said as much.

The thing is - until the anxiety is managed, it is tough to pin down the cause of minor issues.

Are you working with someone on your anxiety? Good doctors understand that's just as much of a physical treatment as anything else. They will check to make sure nothing major is physically happening, give you things to look out for, and consider it all part of the treatment process.

For weeks now, I've had off and on tingling in my fingers and toes, and a weird inflammed feeling in my ankles, wrists, knees, and elbows that don't physically manifest, but feel like I need to "crack" something. Doctor says nothing is wrong, all tests are normal, and he has me on B12 and advises I deal with the anxiety. He was fine checking things out generally though - but all doctors are going to want to avoid expensive and invasive tests that aren't necessary.

I know as much as anyone how much it hurts to want immediate relief and not be able to get it. It will be quick for your doctor to check for a sinus infection or something else - go in, have it looked at, and if everything looks ok... find a way to manage the symptoms while you are dealing with the anxiety. Get that under control, and revisit if it is still an issue...